The relatives of nine months pregnant woman, who was in labour, had a harrowing time at the hospital yesterday morning, after the on-duty doctor allegedly refused to attend her demanding a payment of Rs 5,000 first, to summon an anesthetist needed to conduct a Caesarean section for the delivery.

A resident of Naya Nagar in Mira Road, Anjum Shaikh started getting labour pains and she had to be rushed to the hospital at around 4.00 am Wednesday. “Despite she being a registered patient here, the para-medical staff initially expressed their unwillingness to treat her. Later, a doctor who apparently holds the honorarium position arrived and brazenly demanded Rs 5,000 to arrange for an anesthetist from another hospital and an additional Rs 1,400 for equipment,” alleged Anjum's husband Tauseef Shaikh.

Not wanting to expose his wife to risk, owing to delay in arguments, Tauseef paid the amount, following which the doctors conducted the operation and his baby was born. “The doctor and other staffers including the security personnel were behaving rudely, as if we had committed a crime by seeking facilities at the municipal hospital,” said Tauseef who immediately after, registered a complaint with the Health Department.

When contacted, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Health) Dr Sambhaji Pantte said, “Any services provided at our hospital including anesthesia is mandated to be free for all patients including expecting mothers. It is wrong to demand money. I will personally probe the matter and do the needful.”

In a bid to enhance its deteriorating healthcare infrastructure, the civic administration has roped in private medical practitioners offering monthly honorariums in return of their services.

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